Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has abruptly resigned from the National Assembly amid a police probe into claims she helped recruit 17 South African men to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
The 42-year-old politician, a member of the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party founded by her father, former president Jacob Zuma, stepped down on Friday. She had been in parliament for just over a year after MK secured third place in the 2024 general election.
Party insists resignation voluntary
MK national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko told reporters in Durban the resignation was voluntary and not an admission of guilt.
“Duduzile wants to focus on ensuring these young South Africans are brought back safely to their families,” Nhleko said.
Zuma-Sambudla attended the press conference but declined to speak.
Family member blows whistle
The investigation began after her half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, filed an affidavit at a Johannesburg police station last week. The document alleges Zuma-Sambudla and two others lured the men – eight of them extended relatives – with promises of security training and high-paying jobs in Russia. Instead, the group was sent to fight on the front lines in Donbas.
Police confirmed the probe could lead to human-trafficking or mercenary-related charges under laws that bar South Africans from joining foreign conflicts without state approval.
Government working to bring men home
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Pretoria had received distress calls from the stranded fighters.
“This is a sensitive diplomatic issue, but we’re working through channels to bring them home while the recruitment allegations are examined,” Magwenya said.
South Africa has maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war and enjoys close ties with Moscow through the BRICS grouping.
Deep divisions in Zuma family
The scandal has exposed sharp rifts inside the influential Zuma family. Jacob Zuma, 83, founded MK in late 2023 after splitting from the African National Congress (ANC). The party won about 15% of the vote in 2024, making it the third-largest in parliament.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, one of Jacob Zuma’s more than 20 children, had emerged as a prominent defender of her father and a vocal MK figure.
Analysts question timing
Political commentator Bongani Mahlangu said the resignation was unlikely to have been entirely voluntary.
“Staying on could have damaged MK credibility further,” he said.
Analyst Asanda Ngoasheng added she was “not surprised” given Zuma-Sambudla’s previous controversies.
Part of wider foreign fighter trend
Ukraine says Russia has recruited more than 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries since the February 2022 invasion, with almost 3,400 killed. Many come from poorer nations attracted by salaries of up to USD 2,000 a month and offers of citizenship.
Kyiv claims at least 1,436 Africans from 36 countries are fighting for Moscow. Jordan recently protested after two of its citizens died in Russian ranks.
Separate 2021 riots case continues
Zuma-Sambudla still faces charges of incitement to violence over social media posts during the July 2021 unrest that left more than 350 people dead. She has pleaded not guilty and her trial continues in Durban High Court.
MK now holds 57 seats in the National Assembly but insists the resignation will not weaken its opposition role.
“We’re focused on holding the executive accountable,” Nhleko said.
Families of the trapped men have appealed for urgent help. One relative told local media: “They were promised jobs, not war.”
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has repeated warnings against South Africans joining foreign conflicts.
Agencies contributed to this report
